Clarkia

Clarkia is a genus of flowering plants in the family Onagraceae, native to western North America. The genus comprises several dozen species of annuals and short-lived perennials that produce slender, branched stems and simple, lance-shaped leaves. Many Clarkia species are cultivated for their showy, four-petaled flowers.

The genus name honors William Clark of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Clarkia flowers are typically four-petaled and arise in loose inflorescences. Colors include pink, lavender, purple, red, and white, often with a darker blotch at the base of the petals. After flowering, plants form elongated seed capsules.

Habitat and distribution: Native to a range of habitats across western North America, including meadows, open woodlands, and disturbed sites. Clarkia is popular in ornamental gardening and seed mixes; many garden varieties are hybrids marketed as godetia.

Cultivation: Most species are annuals or short-lived perennials. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil and are relatively drought-tolerant once established. Seeds can be sown directly in spring or fall in milder climates; many varieties bloom in late spring to early summer. Deadheading is optional but can prolong flowering.

Ecology and use: Clarkia flowers attract bees and other pollinators. The plants commonly reseed, allowing them to naturalize in suitable environments where they are grown, and they remain a staple in wildflower mixes and ornamental borders.